Ex-staff say bank lied to Storm inquiry
31 August 2009
Two former Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Storm Financial employees have accused the bank of lying about its involvement with the collapsed investment firm…
Life Insurance
Don’t forget the lessons, says APRA chief
24 August 2009
The lessons of the global financial crisis shouldn't be allowed to fade too quickly, according to Australian Prudential Regulation Authority Chairman John Laker…
Tough markets keep lid on AMP
24 August 2009
AMP's profit for the half year to June 30 slipped 1% from the corresponding period last year to $362 million, squeezed by lower management and performance fees in tough markets…
ASIC backs fee for service
24 August 2009
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has backed a proposed overhaul of financial planner remuneration, suggesting commission payments promote…
Australian Unity confirms Lifeplan merger
17 August 2009
Australian Unity has confirmed a merger with fellow financial services mutual Lifeplan after more than 98% of Lifeplan members voted last week in favour of the proposal…
Adviser group pushes for 25% PI reduction
17 August 2009
The Association of Independently Owned Financial Planners is lobbying for a 25% reduction in professional indemnity insurance for its members as premium increases come into effect…
Top 250 planners control life insurance growth
17 August 2009
Life insurance sales are definitely on the increase, but it is the top 250 advisers that are controlling the boost, according to Axa GM Financial Protection Michael Rogers…
Buoyant life business confirmed
10 August 2009
Business is booming for life insurers, according to a new report that reveals a 25% surge in sales in the year to March…
Aviva pumps up the bottom line
10 August 2009
British insurance giant Aviva has reported a dramatic increase in its first-half net profit, with recent cost-cutting measures flowing through to the bottom line…
Axa investment earnings back in black
10 August 2009
Axa Asia Pacific has recorded a 187% increase in first-half net income of $270.4 million as it reversed last year’s heavy investment losses…
Life underinsurance campaign gains momentum
10 August 2009
A life insurance industry initiative to tackle underinsurance continues to gain traction with the Financial Planning Association signing on as an official supporter…
Storm bosses to face the music
03 August 2009
The liquidators of failed investment firm Storm Financial will call more than 40 witnesses to give evidence after being given the go-ahead to hold a public inquiry into the collapse…
Keep brokers out of inquiry: NIBA
03 August 2009
The National Insurance Brokers Association has urged the Federal Government to leave the insurance broking sector out of its proposed changes to managed investments…
Reliance on pricey PI can’t work, say planners
03 August 2009
Financial planners have described as “flawed” the compensation method for Australian financial services licensees that relies on professional indemnity insurance…
Outstanding planners to be recognised
03 August 2009
In what has been a tough year for planners, the Financial Planning Association is concentrating on the positives by calling for nominations for two awards…
ICA calls for financial planning compensation fund
27 July 2009
The Insurance Council of Australia has weighed into the financial planners debate, calling on the Federal Government to establish a compensation fund to help clients who have received poor advice…
Upsurge in life insurance through super
27 July 2009
Australians are increasingly putting life insurance into their superannuation as the global recession eats away at investment earnings…
IBANZ chief to help shape adviser code
27 July 2009
Insurance Brokers Association of New Zealand CEO Gary Young is among 10 professionals appointed to develop competency standards for NZ financial advisers – even though brokers…
Planners want protection for their title
20 July 2009
The Financial Planning Association wants tighter regulation to be applied around the term “financial planner”…
IFSA names John Brogden as new CEO
20 July 2009
Former NSW Liberal Party Opposition leader John Brogden is the new face of the Investment and Financial Services Association following his appointment as CEO last week…